Pilen Contest Winner and Other Updates

Thank you so much once again to everybody who took the time to create the wonderful images paying tribute to Swedish cinema and the bicycle! After much deliberation I am pleased to announce that there is a winner. Over the course of the past week, I wavered between eight finalists. In the end, I took into account not only the image itself (it was really impossible to choose on that account alone), but also how suitable I thought the Pilen would be for the person.

Without further ado: The winner of the contest is Amanda Hamilton, and this was her picture:

To create this striking image, Amanda cut out a paper silhouette of the bicycle, then shot footage of herself and played it on a loop while filming the cut-out in front of it.

This is the paper cut-out that served as the bicycle model. I was surprised and intrigued by this entry, both in terms of its creative interpretation of the guidelines and in terms of how labor intensive it must have been. It was only one of my favourite images, but when I contacted Amanda over email it became apparent that she and the Pilen would be a good match on many levels. Congratulations!

Over the course of the next two weeks I will be finished with my review, and then the bicycle will be shipped to the winner. I hope it is understandable that this is a demo model that I have been now riding for a month - so there will be some scuffs and other mild signs of use. Happily, the Pilen is very durable and my intense testing has left it none the worse for wear. Many thanks again to Pilen's North American distributor BoxCycles for donating the beautiful bicycle and making this give-away possible.

I would also like to update you on other contests, past and future:

The winner of the Po Campo Spare Pocket give-away, sponsored by Planet Gear, has been named, and will receive this enigmatic item shortly from Planet Gear directly.

The winner of the Bella Ciao Superba give-away is being a good sport and waiting patiently, as the bicycles are running fashionably late and have not arrived in the US yet! More on this soon, and they are on their way as I write this.

And finally, after some delay the Lovely Touring Bike contest is coming up next! I have some ideas for this one, but am not yet sure what the rules for it will be. Requests and suggestions welcome!



Many thanks to everybody once again for taking part in the give-aways and I will try my best to keep them going. And of course, thank you for reading Lovely Bicycle!

Oh, and can anyone tell what that camera is, resting on the Pilen's rear rack, and during what years it was produced? A roll of 35mm film for the first person to post the answer : )

Purchase.ie Introduces a Competition with a Difference

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Adjustable Stem!

When I wrote about wanting a longer stem on one of my bikes, several people suggested I get ahold of a vintage adjustable stem. I did not know that such a thing existed, but clearly there is much I don't know.

Long story short, I am now in the temporary possession of a 3ttt Record Regolabile adjustable stem, on loan courtesy of Jan Heine of the Bicycle Quarterly. I decided to use it not on my own bike, but on the Royal H. randonneur collaboration - it just looked so appropriate.

Produced in the 1970s by Tecno Tubo Torino of Italy, this elegant stem adjusts from (I think) 6 cm to 12 cm. Here is more information about it and some close-up pictures. The beauty of this system is that it combines the vertical adjustability of the quill stem with the horizontal adjustability of the threadless stem (with the latter you can swap out stems without redoing your handlebar set-up). Why are things like this not being made anymore? Those of us who constantly change our minds about handlebar positions would find it extremely useful. Right now I have it adjusted for 8 cm, but who knows what the future holds - I am looking forward to playing around with this! 

Talk to Me About 'Off Road'...

Almost every cyclist I'm friendly with loves to ride off road. And when I admit that I don't love it so much, the reaction is that of dismay. "What? But you like Rivendell! But you write about randonneuring! But you showed so much promise cycling on those scenic beach trails!" Well yes... And yet I prefer pavement.

Of course, everyone has their own ideas of what "off road" is. For some, anything that's not paved qualifies. For others, only the really treacherous, narrow trails are worthy of the label. I tend to use the former definition, but often get corrected ("Oh, well that's not off road; that's just dirt roads!") - which of course only makes me feel more of a sissy. I can handle fire trails if they are packed dirt with occasional pebbles and roots, but I draw the line at loose gravel that slips out from under my tires, and trails fraught with large rocks and ditches that I need to navigate around at speed. It feels unsafe, and when I feel unsafe no amount of romantic photos or assurances that "it'll be fine!" from ride companions can induce me to go on. Maybe it'll be fine for them, but I need to think for myself and my brain screams "don't do it; you'll perish!"

But maybe I exaggerate. When we were in Rockport last weekend, the Co-Habitant lured me onto some trails ("we'll walk our bikes to the water") and I ended up riding on 23mm tires over dirt and gravel.  I've also found myself intentionally taking my bikes on unpaved parts of local trails lately, maybe to test the waters.

As August approaches, people are talking about the D2R2 (Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnée) - a notoriously hilly, strenuous ride through Western Massachusetts and Vermont, held entirely on winding dirt roads. I considered trying to do the "easy" (40 mile) route, but based on the stories I hear even that might be out of my league. It would be good to read a ride report from someone whose comfort zone is similar to mine, to get an accurate idea of what it is really like.

But wait a minute, why would I even want to go to something like the D2R2 if I don't enjoy cycling off road? Maybe because I want to like it, or keep hoping that I'll like it if I just give it another chance. There is so much beauty that can't be seen from paved roads, and it's a shame to miss it. Now if only I could learn to climb and descend on loose gravel without panicking and getting off my bike immediately!

Chrome Pasha Hoodie: Wool That Feels Like a Real Sweatshirt?

Hooded sweatshirts are the comfort food of clothing: There is something so snuggly and relaxing about them, that just putting one on at the end of a long day can improve my mood. Before I started cycling I was a fan of this garment and wore it frequently when not in my dressy attire. But I soon discovered that I can't really wear hoodies on a bicycle: I sweat too much and the thick cotton eventually turns into a heavy wet rag. Comfort food no more. Wool manufacturers have attempted to address this issue by making their own versions of the hoodie. I've tried these from Ibex, Icebreaker and one other company I can't recall, hoping to find a replacement for my beloved cotton sweatshirts.  But the wool versions only vaguely resemble the real thing; something is off about the texture and feel. Thus jaded, when Chrome offered me to review their "Pasha" hoodie I expected more of the same. But I am glad to report that I was wrong.

Whatever else might be said about the Pasha, I think it is crucial to recognise that Chrome did it: They made a wool sweatshirt that feels like a "real" sweatshirt and not like a wool sweater pretending to be a sweatshirt. The inside is fluffy and impeccably soft, the outside feels convincingly sweatshirt-like to the touch. The weight, the texture - everything is just like the hoodies I am used to. The asymmetrically placed zipper and structured tailoring add a contemporary touch.

The design of the Pasha is cycling-specific, in that it is semi-form fitting and is cut longer in the back than in the front. I have read some reviews complaining that the cut is too narrow around the chest and too generous around the middle, and I somewhat agree. But I have a modestly sized chest, so the narrowness in that region works well for me. The middle is indeed roomy, but I do not find the cut unflattering. I am a US women's size 4, and the "Small" hoodie is just about spot on.

The hood is tight around the head and neck without requiring pull-strings. I've worn it on a roadbike in windy thunderstorms, and it did not get blown off over the course of the ride as other hoods tend to.

I admit that once I took these photos I blacked out the Chrome logo, which is just too prominent for my taste. I suggest they consider making a subdued version of it, as many don't like displaying branding on their clothing. (And yes, I realise the irony of this photo as I write this - but bicycle logos are different!)

My one major real complaint about the design of the Pasha is that the thumb loops are not practical when riding a roadbike; they dig into the space between my thumb and forefinger when I stretch my arms to reach the drop bars. So unless I am riding an upright bike with a short reach, I end up not using them. I will probably sew up the holes in the sides of the sleeves.

A lesser complaint is that I do not like the exposed metal zipper. It's cold and "unfriendly," in contrast to the overall feel of the hoodie. The zippers they use on the pockets feel much better, so I would love the central one to be replaced with something in that vein.

Yet another minor complaint is an aesthetic one. There is maroon stitching in some parts of the hoodie, apparently for decorative reasons. This is nice in itself, but it clashes with the primary-red stitching next to the pockets, as well as with the Chrome logo and with the fabric of the same colour inside the pockets. Maybe this is a personal thing, but the combination of the maroon and the primary red looks off to me.

Finally, I should note that the Pasha is made in China, unlike some of Chrome's other items.

The Pasha has two zippered side pockets - one much larger than the other, due to the asymmetrical placement of the central zipper. The larger pocket easily fits a wallet, point and shoot camera, or sandwich. The smaller pocket will fit a mobile phone or keys. There is also a large zippered rear pocket that will fit the contents of both side pockets together. The pockets have meshy interiors and can also be used for added breathability.

As far as weather conditions, I find the Pasha best for cold weather and mild rain - which we've been having a lot of here, even in the summer. In May and June we had stretches of days with temperatures in the 40s-50s, continuous rain, and this horrible bone-piercing dampness. The Pasha kept me warm, not sweaty, and mostly dry from the rain. Being wool, it is wearable in warmer temperatures as well, certainly into the lower 70s.

I've had this hoodie since March and have washed it three times on account of getting it covered in mud while riding a fenderless bike. It is durable and takes well to being washed and dried.

The most enjoyable thing for me about the Chrome Pasha, is that it has all the properties of 100% wool while feeling like a real sweatshirt. The design could be tweaked, but I'll take it even as is. It's great to be able to wear a hoodie on a bike without the "wet rag" effect.

Global Wind Energy Team Created At Capital Safety

PRLog (Press Release)– Jul 07, 2011– Capital Safety, home of rc helicopter and car market place the DBI-SALA, PROTECTA and UNILINE brands of fall protection equipment, has created a global wind energy team to meet the growing global demand in the renewable energies sector.

Andrew Sweeney, National Utilities and Wind Energy Manager for Capital Safety Australia and New Zealand comments: "Over the past five years we have been working with OEM's in the wind energy sector on a project by project basis, advising them on their safety requirements.  Our main focus is ensuring key customers including manufacturers, wind farms, and construction and service firms, have the best in fall protection solutions and services for employees who work at height. < aston martin /p>

"We have chosen to set up a global Capital Safety wind energy team, as we have found that it is essential to have safety experts who know the issues that OEM's are facing in each specific region.  With this in mind, our team of highly trained wind energy safety experts has been created, and includes representatives in Australia, Asia, United States, Canada and Europe."  

With a wide range of globally certified fall protection equipment, and more planned specifically for the wind energy sector this year, such as the ExoFit NEX Wind Energy harness recently launched in Australia to provide comfort and functionality to workers, Capital Safety Australia & New Zealand is well placed to meet the increasing demand for safety products and training in this sector.  Andrew Sweeney continues: "As Australia strives to meet its 20% renewable energy target by 2020, the wind sector is well placed to assist in achieving these goals."

Capital Safety's specialist wind energy team is experienced in working with both onshore and offshore wind farms.  For more information on the range of fall protection products available fo alfa romeo r use on both offshore and onshore wind turbines contact Capital Safety on 1800 245 002 (AUS), 0800 212 505 (NZ), or visit www.capitalsafety.com.au, 531276856  alternatively send an email to asweney@capitalsafety.com   Capital Safety, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of height safety, confined space and industrial rescue equipment with 17 operating sites worldwide, is home of the DBI-SALA, PROTECTA and UNILINE brands. < cadillac /p>

Contact: Leonardo Di Coio - Marketing Communications Manager

(02) 8753 7600 or ldicoio@capitalsafety.com

Low and high resolution images are available

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Announces Investigation of A-Power Energy Generation Systems, Ltd.

or the "Company") (NASDAQ: APWR).  Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP seeks to determine whether A-Power violated federal securities laws in connection with statements made to the Company's shareholders.  

Request more information now by clicking here: www.faruqilaw.com/APWR

The investigation focuses on whether certain individuals violated federal securities laws by, among other things, failing to disclose that: (i) A-Power improperly accounted for its related-party transactions and that its financial statements were presented in violation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"); and (ii) A-Power's revenues and income were misstated in violation of GAAP.

On June 17, 2011, Seeking Alpha published an article highlighting a history of internal weakness over financial controls at the Company and how the Company's 2009 financial statements filed with Chinese regulator reflected less than one-tenth of the revenue and cash balances reflected in the financial statements A-Power filed with the SEC.  On June 27, 2011, the Company announced that its independent auditor, MSCM LLP ("MSCM"), had resigned because the Company had not retained a qualified independent forensic accounting firm to evaluate certain business transactions MSCM stated was necessary for MSCM to complete its audit of the Company's financial statements for fiscal year 2010.  A-Power also acknowledged MSCM's resignation would cause it to miss the June 30, 2011 deadline to file its annual report with the SEC.  On June 28, 2011, the Company announced that two of its independent directors have resigned effective June 27, 2011.  A-Power's shares were subsequently halted at $1.67 per share due to lack of information provided to NASDAQ.  

Take Action

If you purchased A-Power securities between August 27, 2009 and June 27, 20011, and you would like to discuss your legal rights, visit www.faruqilaw.com/APWR.  You can also contact us by calling Anthony Vozzolo toll free at 877-247-4292 or at 212-983-9330 or by sending an email to avozzolo@faruqilaw.com.  Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourage bmw s anyone with information regarding A-Power's conduct during the period in question to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.  

About Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is a national law firm, representing investors, consumers and companies in the prosecution of claims un chevrolet der state corporate and consumer laws and the federal securities and antitrust laws.  The firm is focused on providing exemplary legal services in complex litigation.  Founded in 1995, the firm maintains its principal office in New York City, with offices in Delaware, California, Florida and Pennsylvania.  The lawyers at Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP have 531276856  demonstrated a clear commitment to championing the rights of shareholders and consumers nationwide.

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP 369 Lexington Avenue, 10th Floor New York, NY 10017 Attn: Anthony Vozzolo, Esq. avozzolo@faruqilaw.com Toll Free: (877) 247-4292 Phone:    (212) 983-9330

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2011 Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP.  The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). cadillac  Prior resu dodge lts do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.  We are happy to discuss your particular case.

SOURCE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

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Sagging Saddles?

It seems that I complain a lot about saddles, finding fault with most of the ones I try if not immediately then certainly within a year's time. This one won't break in, that one hurts my crotch. This one is too narrow, that one is too wide. This one is too soft, that one is too hard... So what now?

Okay, I've had this Brooks B72 for about a year. No complaints about the shape, size or breaking in period - it felt wonderful from the start on a semi-upright bike. I have owned several other B72 models as well - both modern and vintage - and they've all been good. This was the one saddle of all my saddles I thought was pretty darn perfect. Then a couple of months ago I started to notice that the outer edge was pressing into my derriere. At first it was subtle, but the feeling kept getting worse - until one day I looked at the saddle, and the leather was visibly sagging in the center, with the outer edge (where the rivets are) forming a sharp ridge. Regrettably I neglected to take a picture of this before we messed with the tension, but I really ought to have emailed it to Brooks. It is unexpected that a saddle should sag that much under a 125lb rider in less than a year's time. It had never gotten caught in the rain, I am not a proofide zealot, and I had ridden maybe 600 miles on it in the course of 8 months (it is installed on a city bike) when the problem began to present itself.

Though some recommend not to mess with the tension on a Brooks we went ahead and did, and the saddle felt great again... for a couple of weeks. But now, slowly but surely, I am starting to feel the rivets pressing into my behind once more as the leather continues to sag ever so gradually. Darn.

Having spoken to a few long-time Brooks owners and retailers, I do not think that this is an issue with the B72 model specifically, but rather a general issue with quality control and the natural variation in leather thickness. A couple of retailers have told me that some Brooks saddles will sag in this manner and there does not appear to be a pattern to which models are susceptible to it. Well, that's not very reassuring. I am especially disappointed since this particular saddle was my overall favourite before the sagging problem started. I guess perfection is a myth and it is best to keep that in mind to avoid disappointment. I am curious whether others have experienced the "sudden sag" syndrome on any of their leather saddles, and if so which makes and models. Is there a cure?

New Market Research Report: South Korea Autos Report Q3 2011

PRLog (Press Release)– Jul 04, 2011– South Korean new vehicle sales for 2010 totaled 1,465,426 units (1,217,764 passenger cars plus 247,662 commercial vehicles), an increase of 5.1% y-o-y. Two interest rate rises in January and March 2011 (taking rates to 3.0%) have generated a dampener for vehicle sales in the first half of the year. Further interest rate hikes are on the cards (most likely two more 0.25% increases during the remainder of 2011). However, car sales growth should remain positive in 2011. Although real economic growth is forecast by our macroeconomic team to slow this year (from over 6% in real terms last year), consumer demand should remain reasonably resilient in the face of the tightening of credit, as disposable incomes continue to rise. New vehicle sales in the first three months of the year bear out our cautiously positive stance - sales on the domestic market rose 3.8% y-o-y, to 362,853 units, according to KAMA. March - the latest month for which data was available as we went to press - saw an 8.4% y-o-y rise to 134,079 units, thanks in part to the debuts of new models including Hyundai's Avante and Kia's Morning. KAMA is targeting domestic sales growth in the order of 3.4% for 2011. We continue to target 3.5% sales growth for 2011(unchanged from the forecast we made in our last quarterly update). Beyond this point, we would suggest th buick e domestic market then has scope to grow in the order of 5% per annum over the remainder of our forecast period to 2015. This would indicate total domestic vehicle sales of 1.84mn in 2015.

--------------------------------------------------------- ---Full Report Details at - http://www.fastmr.com/prod/204749_south_korea_autos_repo ... ------------------------------------------------------------

South Korea produced 4,271,741 vehicles in 2010, an increase of 21.6% y-o-y. This performance means that South Korea remains the world's fifth-largest automobile manufacturer and accounts for some 5.5% of total global auto production. Looking forward, KAMA believes that automobile production can grow in the order of 4.8% over the course of this year. Last quarter, we penciled in a slightly more optimistic forecast than KAMA, of 5% for 2011. In the first three months of the year, production of new vehicles in South Korea rose 10.9% y-o-y, to 1,080,942 units. dodge However, strong base effects were apparent in the first two months of the year, as a result of relatively weak production in January and February 2010. Sales in March 2011 rose by a less robust 3.6% y-o-y, to 395,899 units. As such, we retain our full-year forecast for a 5% increase in vehicle production.

Last year was another excellent year for Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, which recorded global market shares of 5.2% and 3.1% respectively in 2010. Hyundai generated a net profit of KRW5.27trn while Kia chalked up KRW2.25trn. Meanwhile, GM Daewoo - now rebranded GM Korea - and Ssangyong generated profits, after years of struggling with losses.

Report Table of Contents:

SWOT Analysis - South Korea Auto Industry SWOT - South Korea Political SWOT - South Korea Economic SWOT - South Korea Business Environ ferrari ment SWOT Global Overview - BMI's Core Views For The Automotives Industry Asia Pacific Regional Overview Business Environment Ratings - Table: Business Environment Ratings - Auto Industry bmw Asia Pacific Macroeconomic Forecast Scenario - Table: South Korea - Economic Activity Industry Forecast Scenario - Sales - Table: South Korea Automotives Sales 2007-2015 - Production - Table: South Korea Automotives Production 2007-2015 - Trade - Table: South Korea Auto Sector - Historical Data And Forecasts Competitive Landscape - Market Overview - Industry Developments - Company Developments - Suppliers Company Monitor Company Profiles - Hyundai Motor - Kia Motors - GM Korea - Ssangyong Motor - Renault Samsung Motors BMI Methodology - How We Generate Our Industry Forecasts - Sources

About Business Monitor International

Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage 1086274749  operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets.  BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports.  Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports.  View more research from Business Monitor International at http://www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

Ab out Fast Market Research

Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. We represent the world's top research publishers and analysts and provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available.

For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

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Bikes, Trains, Sailboats

After months of deliberation and procrastination, we've finally done it: Traveled by train with our bikes. For a while now we have wanted to cycle around Cape Ann, which is a beautiful area about 40 miles North of Boston - accessible by the MBTA Commuter Rail via the Rockport line. A number of people we know have taken this trip with their bikes, so it seemed doable. Also, I was delighted to spot the following notice on the MBTA website: "Commuter Rail re-introduces The Bike Coach on the Rockport line for the summer season." Bike coach! No other information was provided, so I did some research. Turns out they have commuter trains with special cars dedicated entirely to bikes - with bike racks as far as the eye can see, like this. But I could not find any information regarding its schedule, and it seemed that only some weekend trains were Bike Coach trains. A call to the MBTA was fruitless, so we decided to just show up and hope for the best.

The commuter train to Cape Ann leaves from North Station, a 3.25 mile bike ride from our house through some of the busiest parts of Boston. I don't like cycling through the city on a roadbike, but on a Saturday morning the traffic wasn't bad. We arrived early, which was good as there was a line at the ticket machines. There were plenty of other people with bicycles. When our train arrived, the conductor came out and announced that all those with bikes must proceed to the first car of the train. Only those with bikes were allowed in that car. Only those without bikes were allowed in the other cars. The segregation gave us hope that this was the fabled Bike Coach, and we happily headed for the front car along with the procession of other cyclists. 

What happened next was rather stunning. The car we were ushered into had no accommodations for bikes what so ever - just a small corner of space at one end where a couple of handicapped seats had been removed. This was definitely not the Bike Coach. Nonetheless, everybody proceeded to drag their bikes on the train - more and more of them, until not only this corner, but the entire aisle was filled with bikes. When even that space ran out, new passengers began to pile their bikes on top of other bikes. Loud clunking noises filled the train as tubes smashed against derailleurs. 

Not wanting our bikes damaged in the velo moshpit that ensued, we found a seat near the exit and sort of held our bikes on our laps the entire time. As you might imagine, it was uncomfortable to sit that way for an hour. But the alternative was to accept that a dozen 50lb mountain bikes would be thrown on top of our bicycles - which was not a viable option. So we tried to have a sense of humour about the whole thing and looked forward to reaching our destination while seriously discussing the possibility of Bromptons in the future. 

But no sooner had we reached Rockport than the train trauma was forgotten, as we were greeted with perfect weather and glorious coastal views. 

The Cape Ann peninsula consists of Rockport, Annisquam Village and Gloucester - each of them with beautiful scenery. Severed from the mainland by the winding Annisquam River, water views are everywhere. This was our first time in the area and we decided to do an exploratory loop along the coastline instead of a long-distance trip. The Cape Ann loop is about 20 miles, with mild but constant rolling hills, alternating between open water views and tree lined country roads. Especially considering the 4th of July weekend, the area was not crowded. Drivers were courteous everywhere except for the traffic circle in Gloucester, but even that was not too bad. Roads were good on the eastern side of the cape, but terrible on the western side. Navigation was intuitive - just follow the coastline! 

My Rivendell is in the midst of a small (but exciting) make-over, so I took the loaner Seven on this trip. Overall it was pretty good, though a burlier bike might have been a better choice on the pothole-ridden roads. We also ventured off road a bit, which was "interesting" on 23mm racing tires!

Cape Ann is even quieter and less commercially developed than we expected, a pleasant surprise. Lots of parks, meadows and nature reserves. Not too many parking lots. And "motel sprawl" is virtually non-existant - at least compared to places like Cape Cod, the NH Seacoast, and much of coastal Maine. 

Also, there are apparently sailboat races happening in Rockport - wonderful!

All in all, we loved the area and are now considering staying there for longer, instead of venturing further from home on vacation later this summer. After all - just load up our bikes on the commuter rail, it's so easy! Of course we'd forgotten about our train experience earlier that day. Or at least, we thought, there would surely not be as many bikes on the return trip. Or maybe we would finally get the mythical Bike Coach?

Nope, no such luck. On the return trip, passengers were once again segregated into those with bikes and those without, and this time the "bike car" had a car rack attached in the handicapped seating area. It accommodated 4-5 bikes, tightly squeezed, and was filled as soon as the train began to board.

Minutes later, that pathetic little bike rack was surrounded by dozens of other bikes, stacked and thrown against one another haphazardly. 

Exits were blocked, aisles were blocked - no one seemed to care. When passengers with bikes needed to get on or off, they would simply throw the other bikes out of the way and the whole thing was like one huge pile of scrap metal. So we held our bikes on our laps again - hugging them ever closer to our bodies as other passengers kept trying to pile their bikes on top of ours (yes, even while we were holding our bikes on our laps!). It was a madhouse and probably violated all sorts of safety regulations. The MBTA clearly needs to have these alleged Bike Coach cars run with more frequency and on a predictable schedule. As we now understand it, the schedule is random and there is no way to time your trip to ensure that you will get a Bike Coach. Sounds improbable, but that's how it is!

Late in the evening, we rode home from the station along mostly empty city streets, recuperating from the train but also satiated from a day of exploring such a beautiful new place by bicycle. We only cycled 30 miles over all, and the point of the trip was mainly to hang out and get to know the area. Next time we will plan for a longer route. The North Shore is a great starting point for long distance touring: While there is no pleasant bicycle route North out of Boston, from Cape Ann we could just continue to cycle along the coast to Maine. Definitely something to consider, despite the less than ideal commuter rail experience.

What is it like to travel on a train with a bike where you live, and do you do it often?

New market study, "Indonesia Shipping Report Q3 2011", has been published

PRLog (Press Release)– Jul 04, 2011– BMI believes the economic fundamentals are looking good for Indonesia, boding well for the country's shipping sector in particular. New port developments, such as the construction work on the island of Madura, in the pipeline underline our bullish view of the shipping sector. Meanwhile, private consumption and investment growth will continue to power the economy in 2011 as Indonesia embarks on what we project to be a decade of robust economic growth averaging around 6.4% per year.

We believe the factors driving Indonesian shipping and port sector will be increasing investment in the Intra-Asia route, as international companies search for new markets while consumer demand in the US and Europe remains sluggish following the after-effects of the global downturn, and private consumption, which will be boosted by growing consumer confidence and declining unemployment rates.

---------------------------------------------------- --------Full Report Details at - http://www.fastmr.com/prod/204740_indonesia alfa romeo _shipping_rep ... ------------------------------------------------------------

Headline Industry Data

*  2011 Tanjung Priok total tonnage forecast is +5.50%, average growth of 5.23% over our forecast period.  *  2011 Palembang total tonnage forecast is +5.57%, average growth of 5.57% over our forecast period.  *  2011 Tanjung Priok container forecast is +2.57%, average growth of 7.71% over our forecast period.  *  2011 Palembang container forecast is +5.74%, average growth of 6.15% over our forecast period.

Key Industry Trends

New Ports In The Pipeline - The island of Madura is set to be the site of a new international port with the central aim of reducing congestion at the port of Tanjung Perak. Construction at the new US$1.1bn port is set to commence at some point this year, deputy works minister Hermanto Dardak explained in January 2011.

Indonesia Calls For Dry-Bulk Facility To Boost Malaysian Trade - Efforts are being made to strengthen trade between Malaysia and Indonesia through the planned establishment of a dry-bulk facility in Malaysia's Sabah province. BMI believes this could prove a boon for the region's ports sector, and provide potential for Sabah to elevate itself from Malaysia's poorest state.

Risks To Outlook

On bmw the downside, a risk to our outlook presents itself in the possibility that the country's ports will not be able to handle the increasing levels of traffic on the intra-Asia route if sufficient investments are not made, but this does seem to be being addressed - see new international port on the island of Madura. Indonesia's main ports suffer from congestion and low efficiency levels, raising the fear that lines could avoid the port, calling at more competitive neighbouring facilities.

The main upside risk to our outlook presents itself in the form of growing domestic consumer demand on the back of declining unemployment rates, which bodes well for container imports. Our macroeconomic outlook for the country is also very solid. Indonesia's real GDP expanded by 6.9% year-on-year (y-o-y) in Q410, the fastest pace since 2004, led by robust growth in both private consumption and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF). Notably, this strong growth was markedly above consensus (6.3% median estimate) and caps a stellar 2010 with overall growth of 6.1%. We are bullish on the Indonesian economy in 2011 and 2012, forecasting real GDP to reach 5.9%.

Private consumption remains the main driver of the economy, growing by 4.4% y-o-y in audi Q410 and contributing 2.6 percentage points (pp) to headline growth. At this point, we project private consumption growth to remain flat at 4.6% in 2011 before accelerating to 5.0% in 2012. Our bullish consumer outlook bodes very well for any future container terminal projects in Indonesia.

Report Table of Contents:

SWOT Analysis - Indonesia Shipping SWOT Global Overview - Container Industr cadillac y Overview - Drivers - Bellwethers - Rates - Players - Dry Bulk Shipping Overview - Drivers - Capacity - Rates - Liquid Bulk Shipping Overview - Drivers - Capacity - Rates - Players - Geopolitical Developments Industry Trends and Developments Market Overview - Port of Jakarta (Tanjung Priok) - Overview - Terminals, Storage And Equipment - Expansions And Developments - Multi-Modal Links - Port of Palembang - Overview - Terminals, Storage And Equipment - Expansions And Developments - Multi-Modal Links Industry Forecast - Table: Major Port Data - Table: Trade Overview - Table: Key Trade Indicators - Table: Main Import Partners - Table: Main Export Partners Company Profiles - Trada Maritime (TRAM) - Samudera Shipping Line - Maersk Line - Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) - CMA CGM - Hapag-Lloyd - Evergreen Line - APL - CSAV - COSCO Container Lines Company Limited (COSCON) - Hanjin Shipping (Container Operations) - China Shipping (CSCL)

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National Pastimes

Hope you are having a nice weekend!

When bicycles and the beach are involved, I am happy.

This is the first time in three years that I'm spending the 4th of July in the US. Now to figure out how to see the fireworks without getting trampled by the crowds!

A Little Give-Away for the Long Weekend

[image via Po Campo & Planet Gear]

Longing for something lovely, US-made and free to go with your celebration of freedom from monarchy this week-end? How about a Po Campo Spare Pocket from PlanetGear? This curious item is a water-resistant mini-purse that attaches to your wrist, ankle, or bicycle handlebars. The fabric is a beautiful "contrast damask" with reflective bird detail. I am not one to carry a purse, let alone a tiny purse, so that whole genre of accessories rather mystifies me! I can see attaching this to the handlebars though.

PlanetGear is a women owned retail club offering discounts on gear, clothing and travel destinations, as well as referral programs and monthly specials. I am not a member and am not affiliated with the company, but it looks interesting and hey - if they want to give you free stuff, how can I stand in the way?

If you would like the Spare Pocket, simply post a comment describing your week-end cycling plans (if you don't have any, make some up!) and I will then pick a random entry. US entries only for this one, and please include your contact information in the comment. Recipient will be chosen on Friday July 8th, and you may enter any time up till then. Thank you to PlanetGear for the give-away, thank you everyone for reading, and enjoy the holiday!

Attorney At Day, DJ By Night

PRLog (Press Release)– Jul 01, 2011– For Attorney Ari B. Good, of Good Attorneys At Law, P.A., it was time that he embraced his passion.  With a musical background with drums and a love for house music, Ari decided that he would become a DJ.  He learned the basics on his own and then attended Scratch DJ Academy (DJ School) to learn from some of the best in Miami, FL.  For years Ari has been honing his skills in his studio to become DJ SpeakEZ.  He has played at different venues with his largest eve aston martin nt being Naples BIG Event at the Naples Grande with 700 people.

If you are interested in seeing this Attorney at day, DJ by night, come to Absinthe (in the Vanderbilt Collection, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd - Ac dodge ross from Lifestyles Fitness (239) 239.254.0050) from 9pm to 2am on Saturday, July 2nd where DJ SpeakEZ will be spinning on the patio the best Ho buick aynewsmatic.com/category/acura">acura use music in Naples.  Absinthe is in the Collection at Vanderbilt, the northwest corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road 1086274749  and Airport Pulling Road, across from Lifestyles Fitness, and down the block from Lux Boutique.

Contact SpeakEZ for bookings at 239.213.8149

http://www.facebook.com/dj.speakez

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Writing on the Wall

About a week ago, I left the house in the morning to discover the wall of a nearby building covered in graffiti. Screaming for attention with its searing yellow hue and the swirly sunshine dotting the "i" the graffiti tells the residents of our little neighbourhood to "smile." Very funny, we think. Smile because they defaced property? Smile because someone will have to spend time cleaning that up in mid-summer heat and humidity? Smile because this action rubs it in our faces that we are powerless to prevent others violating our living space?

Then a funny thing happens. As we continue to live with the graffiti (the building's manager has not had time to clean it up), the initial feeling of indignation recedes and we begin to take the message literally - to respond automatically to the word's actual meaning, instead of responding intellectually to the symbolic meaning of it having been spraypainted there. Smile! The vandal (artist?) has managed to elevate our mood in spite of everything.

I am not comparing cycling to graffiti, really I am not. But it is impossible not to notice that those who don't ride bikes often feel threatened and, yes, even invaded by the appearance of bicyclists and (gasp) bike lanes in their neighbourhoods. These are strong feelings that those of us who cycle can too easily dismiss. But look at it this way: If after some time a vandalised wall can make us smile because of its sunny message, then surely the fun of cycling can be contagious enough to override any hostility toward it as well.

Along the main street around the corner from our house, from 5 pm to 6 pm on any given weekday there is a continuous parade of cyclists traveling home from work. They are all sorts, and most wear their regular clothing - including women in colourful dresses and crazy footwear. Two years ago, not nearly as many cyclists rode through that street - a quarter of the number I see today, at best. There was also a lot of honking from drivers, hostile insults exchanged as a matter of course. Now it hardly happens at all. I see business owners sitting on the front steps and watching the cyclists as the sun sets. It really is a sight when so many different people pass through on their bikes; there is a festive feel to it.

Maybe our neighbourhood has internalised the bicycle as part of its character, as opposed to thinking of it as a hostile foreign body. Maybe drivers and cyclists both have decided to lighten up and smile.

What Does 'Commuting' Mean to You?

Some of us have conventionally structured jobs, where we ride our bikes to the office, stay there for a given period of time, then ride home. Others might move from site to site throughout the day, or work from home, or go to the office and back several times. I've had lots of conversations with friends in both job categories, and it's clear that there are benefits and drawbacks to each: With a conventional schedule, you get a sense of structure, and once you leave the office you are done. On the down side, sitting in the same building for an entire day can feel constricting. With a non-conventional schedule, there is a greater sense of freedom and you can organise your time to suit your needs. On the down side, it can feel as if the work never really ends and that you are chained to your laptop or phone 24/7.

Most of my jobs have fallen somewhere in the second, unstructured category. Even while working in a university setting - probably my most "normal" employment - it was always a back and forth between different locations on and off campus. Now that I have transitioned entirely to freelance work, it is up to me how to organise my time - which is nice in theory, but can work against me if I am not careful.

Finding it nearly impossible to work from home, I like to leave the house for the day and transition between one setting and another - coffee shop, studio, supply store, meeting, park bench. My laptop perpetually in tow, the nomadism is my means of staying both sane and focused.

Cycling back and forth between these locations and home is my version of commuting - though it is disheartening when those with structured jobs say things like "Oh, but then you don't have to commute, do you." I know what they mean to say: There is no pressure for me to arrive somewhere at exactly 9am every day. While this is mostly true, I do have meetings where I am expected to be on time. I also make more trips per day than they do and don't really have a concept of week-ends. But it is not a competition and I think that whatever one considers to be "commuting" is valid for that person. The term is a strange one for non-English speakers anyhow, as they struggle to understand why a special word is needed for traveling to and from work!

For those who do commute in a nomadic fashion, and do so by bicycle, there are some helpful posts about establishing a mobile office (via Girls and Bicycles) and an outdoor office (via Simply Bike). And for those who work 9-5 jobs, there are some great posts by Dottie from Let's Go Ride a Bike on how to take a refreshing joyride on your lunch hour. Cycling can function both to infuse a conventional job with a sense of freedom and to bring structure into a more chaotic work situation. What does commuting mean to you, and how (if at all) has it been affected by cycling?

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Shorter Cranks, Dainty Pedals, and the Ambiguity of Toe Overlap

Last week I was offered the opportunity to trade the Sugino Alpina crankset on my mixte for the exact same model with shorter cranks, and I went for it. The original cranks were 170mm. The ones on it now are 165mm. A 5mm difference is very small, but can be significant. For instance, some say that shorter cranks make for a smoother pedal stroke. But my reason for the change was to reduce toe overlap. I mentioned previously that my mixte has it to a small degree, and that I'd like to get rid of it since I now use this bike mainly for transportation. In theory, that could be done either by converting to 650B or re-raking the fork. But before resorting to such drastic measures, I wanted to try something easier.

In addition to the shorter cranks, I also replaced the MKS Touring pedals with Velo Orange City Pedals. Being smaller, my assumption was that the new pedals would reduce overlap further still - though I am now told this isn't so.

Either way, with the new set-up my toes are about 1/4" further back from the front fender than where they were previously. These are the longest-toed boots I own, and with my foot in its most typical position on the pedal there is no overlap even on the widest turn.

Aerial view.

But the thing about an upright bike that is ridden casually and with no foot retention, is that you can plant your foot on the pedal any which way. Sometimes I am sloppy, and plop it down further forward than typical when starting. In that sense, the toe overlap issue remains ambiguous. I need to ride around with this setup for a few weeks to see whether it still happens on occasion. I am not sure whether I notice any difference between the old cranks and the new ones, but it's possible that my pedaling feels a little "rounder." Or I could be imagining it, because that's what I've been told is supposed to happen. (Crank length placebo effect?)

As for the VO City Pedals, I absolutely love them so far. Ever since having tried them on the Rainbow Bike, I wanted them for myself. They don't stab my bare legs and toes the way MKS Touring pedals do, they are grippy, and they are extremely light (228gr per pair). It also does not hurt that they are pretty - though this, of course, is in the eyes of the beholder.

One caveat though, is that these pedals are very narrow (82mm across) and I have heard from a couple of people who find them uncomfortable for that reason. If you have large feet or tend to wear bulky workboots on your city bike, these are probably not the best choice.

So far I am happy with the changes I've made here, and together with the new basket the mixte has definitely turned into a transportation bike. The toe overlap was minor to begin with, so hopefully this will render it insignificant - but we'll see.

If you've ever played around with crank length on your bikes, did you notice a tangible difference? I have bicycles with cranks ranging from 165mm to 175mm, and they all feel fine, so I tend to use things like bottom bracket height and wheel size to determine what cranks a bike should have. But what do I know! Maybe with time I'll be able to tell the crank length of the bike I am riding just by the way it feels to pedal... though I remain skeptical.